L'Acoustique, ou les Phénomènes du Son Thunder and Lightning

Abstract

THESE works form part of a series having the general title, “Bibliothèque des Merveilles,” which will be extended to about a hundred volumes, and will form a Cyclopædia of the more prominent wonders of the universe—of all that is “most admirable in Nature, in the sciences, in industry, in history, in man.” It is published under the direction of M. Edouard Charton, and the main object to be attained by it is “seconder l'heureux mouvement qui porte aujourd'hui toutes les classes de la société vers l'instruction.” The majority of the volumes which have already appeared relate to applied science, and here we may remark that M M. Hachette have done much to disseminate a taste for science among all classes by the publication of works suited to the most varied capabilities and the most varied means. Commencing at one end of his series, we have twenty and thirty franc “editions de luxe” of the Le Ciel and Phénomènes de la Physiqtie class; and, passing through various gradations, we arrive at length at the two-franc volumes of the “Bibliothèque des Merveilles.” The last volumes have much to recommend them; they are, for the most part, popular in style; they are well illustrated, well printed, and undeniably cheap, and they are written by men, among whom are many who are engaged in giving instruction in one or other of the multifarious educational establishments of France. We have no series of books in this country to compare for excellence and cheapness with these, and this mainly arises from the fact that science does not form an essential part of our educational system, as it does of that of France. The volumes of the “Bibliothèque des Merveilles” can be sold in France at less than one-half the price which would be demanded in this country, because the publisher can feel certain when he issues his work that a large number will find their way into the various schools and colleges of the Empire.

L'Acoustique, ou les Phénomènes du Son.

Par R. Radau. Ouvrage illustré de 114 vignettes.—L'Optique. Par F. Marion. Ouvrage illustré de 70 vignettes sur bois, et d'une planche tirée en couleur.—L'Electricité. Par J. Baille. 71 vignettes.—Les Forces Physiques. Par Achille Cazin. 58 vignettes. (Hachette; Paris and London.)

Thunder and Lightning.

By W. de Fonvielle. Translated from the French and edited by T. L. Phipson, Ph.D., F.C.S.—The Phenomena and Laws of Heat. By Achille Cazin. Translated and edited by Elihu Rich. (London: Sampson Low, Son, & Marston.)